PROCEEDINGS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF CONCORDIA, STATE OF LOUISIANA, TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2005

The School Board of the Parish of Concordia, State of Louisiana, met in Regular Session at the Concordia Parish School Board office in Vidalia, Louisiana, on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, at five-thirty  (5:30) o'clock p.m.  The meeting was called to order by Ernest Lynn White,  President, who after prayer and the Pledge, declared that the Board was ready for the transaction of business.

Members present were:  Ms. Mary Campbell, Mr. Raymond Riley, Mr.  Jerry Roberts, Mr. Gary Parnham, Ms. Martha Rabb, Ms. Melanie Watson, Mr. Jimmy Wilkinson and Mr. Ernest Lynn White.

Member absent was Mr. Ricky Raven.

Superintendent Laster presented the Sidney A. Murray Citizenship Awards as follows:

Ferriday High School                Grade 9            Fred McCray

Grade 10          Matthew Smith

Grade 11          Montario Tennessee

Grade 12          Kazerrick White

Monterey High School              Grade 9            Clint Gandy

Grade 10          Chelsea Crum

Grade 11          Irving Crouch

Grade 12          Kassie Kennedy

Vidalia High School                  Grade 9            Sydney Guidroz

Grade 10          Leondra Ford

Grade 11          Aubrie LaSyone

Grade 12          Jamiee Jordan

Superintendent Laster recognized Coach Dalton "Dee" Faircloth.  Coach Faircloth was presented with a certificate which read as follows:

The Concordia Parish School Board, both collectively and individually recognize and appreciate the commitment and loyalty of George Dalton "Dee" Faircloth who has served the Concordia Parish School System, touching the lives of countless students, both on and off the playing field and faithfully serving Vidalia High School for nearly four decades as teacher, coach, and mentor, proving his love for the players as well as the game.

It was moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried unanimously to approve the minutes of September 13, 2005.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Riley and carried unanimously to approve invoices in the amount of $2,994, 275 for the month of September.

Mr. Julius Huhn, Director of Federal Programs gave a presentation on School Improvement Level II.  Mr. Huhn was accompanied by Ms. Loretta Peterman, principal, Ms. Lillian Franklin, principal, and Ms. Dorothy Parker, principal.

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Ms. Rabb to approve the following proclamation.

Whereas,                the Concordia Parish School Baord provides free transportation for students each day; and

Whereas,                the citizens of Concordia Parish recognize the efforts and dedication of the school bus drivers who help make this school system operational on a daily basis; and

Whereas,                all school officials strive for efficient and safe transportation of all students; and

Whereas,                the members of the Concordia Parish School Board recognize the commendable efforts displayed by all involved in the school transportation program

Now, Therefore,     the Concordia Parish School Board recognizes the week of October 16-22, 2005, as National       School Bus Safety Week.

It was moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Riley and carried unanimously to suspend the policy in order to allow activity busses to transport students for the Ferriday routes on a temporary basis.  Mr. Irvin is to meet with the superintendent in order to work out the details.

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to demolish the Monterey Meat Packing Plant.

The request to appear by Ms. Delores Thomas was postponed until the Executive Session.

Mr. James Cockerham, school bus operator, appeared before the board concerning a fuel adjustment.

It was moved by Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Wilkinson for immediate relief for higher fuel costs, to adopt the Superintendent's proposal based on 21%, immediately back pay school bus operators from August 11 through October 7, form a committee to study the driver's request and bring the committee recommendation to the full Board for approval in a special meeting in two weeks.

It was moved by Ms. Campbell, seconded by Ms. Rabb and carried unanimously to approve personnel items as follows:

Resignations

Carrie Howard, teacher, Ferriday Upper Elementary, effective September 23, 2005

Tammy Allen, teacher assistant, Ferriday Junior High, effective September 19, 2005

Retirement

Geneva Hall, 8 hour custodian, Ferriday Junior High School, effective December 21, 2005

Appointments

Sonya Mars, guidance counselor, Ferriday High School, effective October 12, 2005

Michael Tennessee, 10 month janitor, Ferriday High School, effective October 12, 2005

Transfers

Louvenia Morales, Special Education paraprofessional, Vidalia Upper to Vidalia Lower effective September 19, 2005

It was moved by Mr. Parnham, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried unanimously to enter into Executive Session at 7:43 P.M.

It was moved by Ms. Watson, seconded by Mr. Roberts and carried unanimously to return to regular session at 8:56 P.M.

It was moved by Mr. Riley, seconded by Mr. Wilkinson and carried unanimously to adjourn at 8:57 P.M.